Transport minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong revealed on his official Facebook page that he has received a courtesy visit from representatives from the South Korean rail industry. During the meeting, the minister revealed that he was briefed on plans for a maglev train system for Putrajaya.
Amongst the representatives were Corp’s Park Geunhwa, MD of the conglomerate’s KL office, Hyundai Rotem’s Malaysia head Min Jun Sung, EP Korea’s Railway Senior MD Yoo Jai Tark, and Chung Dong Wan, Chairman of Maglev MKC.
The world ‘maglev’ is short for magnetic levitation, the system uses two sets of magnets, one to repel and push the trains off the track surface, another set to move the elevated train forward taking advantage of the lack of friction.
Not only does the system consume less energy at higher speeds due to low rolling resistance, but they also have very low maintenance cost as there are very few moving parts
Maglev train in China. Photo credit: Don's ESL Adventure Facebook
However, this also means that the construction of the maglev system will be costlier than standard train systems. This, in turn, will mean passengers will be charged higher fares for a ride.
Countries that currently utilise maglev train systems include Germany, Japan, Korea, and China.
Maglev train in Japan. Photo credit: Yukito Nohara Facebook
According to the minister’s Facebook page, the Ministry of Transport (MoT) will be holding further discussions with the Ministry of Federal Territories on developing the train system for the Putrajaya area and how they can smoothly integrate the system with other existing train systems.
Wee also lauded the existing relationship that KTM Berhad has with Hyundai Rotem. KTMB is still using the train maker’s Class 83 and 91 trains today, which is a testimony to their durability and reliability.
Other than that, Wee also noted that MoT is in the process of bringing on more knowledge and content partners for Malaysia’s National Rail Centre of Excellence.
They are currently working out details to collaborate and work with the Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI) to enhance the training in railway and highway speed technical knowledge.
Keyword: Maglev train by Hyundai Rotem mooted for Putrajaya, transport ministry will start talks soon